North Carolina Senate Approves Medical Cannabis Legalization Bill

LOS ANGELES- The North Carolina Senate has given final approval to a medical cannabis legalization bill, sending it to the House for consideration. This move marks a significant step toward legalizing medical cannabis in the state, though the bill does not extend to adult-use cannabis, even if federal laws were to change.

Key Provisions and Legislative Strategy

The bipartisan bill passed on Monday includes specific provisions to ensure it addresses concerns that have previously stalled similar measures in the House. One notable provision is the restriction on adult-use cannabis legalization unless explicitly approved by the state legislature, irrespective of potential federal reforms.

The bill was initially passed last week as part of a broader hemp regulation bill, which also includes enhanced regulations on the state’s existing hemp and CBD products.

Medical Community and Advocacy

Dr. David Casarett, a palliative care fellow at Duke University, highlighted the challenges faced by medical professionals under the current ban on medical cannabis. In an interview with WTVD, Casarett expressed frustration over being unable to discuss cannabis with patients due to legal restrictions. “I need to work within the bounds of what’s legal. I also need to help my patients and I also need to be open and willing to talk about it because, you know, if a patient comes to me and asks me about medical cannabis and I say it’s illegal, I can’t talk about it, I’m basically shut off,” he said.

House Prospects and Political Dynamics

House Speaker Tim Moore (R) has expressed support for legalizing medical cannabis but has also indicated that the proposal is unlikely to be considered in the House due to insufficient support from House Republicans. The revised language in the bill aims to address these concerns and garner approval from the more conservative members of the chamber.

The passage of this bill in the Senate represents a pivotal moment in North Carolina’s cannabis policy, reflecting a growing recognition of the potential benefits of medical cannabis. However, the bill’s future in the House remains uncertain as lawmakers navigate the complexities of legislative support and public opinion.